ROGERSVILLE — Most people recognize Kelly Markham as an eighth-degree black belt and owner of “Kelly’s Heroes” martial arts school in downtown Rogersville.

What many people don’t realize is that he also brings 35 years of industrial management experience to the table.

As of Christmas week it appears that the Republican primary ballot for the 2014 Hawkins County mayor race will have the same three candidates as the 2010 race. But Markham is hoping for a different result in 2014.

The Times-News has already profiled the other two candidates who are vying for the Hawkins County mayor seat in 2014, including incumbent Melville Bailey and Church Hill Mayor Dennis Deal.

Markham, who finished third in the 2010 race, said he learned a lot from that election. He knows now how important it is to attempt to meet every voter and get his message out to all corners of the county.